My Approach

How I Work.

 
 
 

The foundation of my approach to counselling is centered around the quality of the relationship we will create together. I strive to show up authentically and offer care guided by compassion, acceptance, and curiosity. We will work together to unpack the difficulties you are navigating. I recognize the value and uniqueness of every individual I encounter, and believe it is a privilege when you choose to share your story with me. I work to create a practice that is anti-oppressive and trauma-informed. During a session, I make space for feedback. I then use this feedback to adjust my approach to better suit your needs. I also regularly reflect on my approach and will adjust it when necessary to continue to provide counselling that feels supportive for each individual client. I recognize that healing is a complex and ongoing process and honor the courage displayed by clients in the counselling room. I draw on my lived experiences, training, education, and clinical supervision to inform the approaches I utilize in session. Overall, I aim to be a compassionate witness to your human experience. I endeavor to facilitate growth, greater self-understanding, and empower you on your journey of healing and transformation.

Areas of Focus:

— Depression & Hopelessness

— Anxiety & Stress

— Trauma, Abuse & Neglect

— Grief & Loss/Illness/Death & Dying

— Life Transitions

— LGBT2SQ+

— Family & Relationship Difficulties

— Religious Trauma/Spiritual deconstruction

— Adult Children of Addicts and/or Parents with Emotional Struggles

Modalities and Approaches That Inform My Practice

  • Relational Counselling

    Relational Counselling recognizes the important role relationships play in shaping how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world around us. This counselling approach emphasizes the value of a secure relationship between the counsellor and client because of the potential it has to impact a client’s experience of healing. New experiences of security within relationships can help clients find freedom from the effects of damaging relationships.

  • Person-Centered Theory

    Person-centered theory recognizes the inherent wisdom and potential within everyone for transformation. Practitioners focus on creating a safe and secure space where individuals can recognize this capacity within themselves. The practitioner believes that the client is the authority on their lived experience and upholds that in their work together.

  • Psychodynamic Theory

    Psychodynamic Theory aims to help clients understand how the past and present, and conscious and unconscious, shapes their present experience. Practitioners attempt to explore the unconscious relational patterns and unresolved experiences to help clients gain greater clarity into their behavior.

  • Gestalt Therapy

    Gestalt Therapy focuses on developing a greater understanding of ourselves though increased attunement to our inner experience. Gestalt therapy is especially interested in how our past manifests itself in the hear-and-now of the counselling space in both behavior and felt sense. Gestalt therapy values approaching healing creatively using experimentation and role playing.

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) Theory or ‘Parts Work’

    Internal Family Systems Theory or ‘parts work’ operates on the assumption that the experience of distress and trauma can lead to a fragmented sense of self. The human brain is incredibly complex and can experience multiple feelings or desires at one time to assist in self-protection and survival. Practitioners work to reintegrate the different pieces of a person’s reality through helping clients develop a deeper understanding of their own internal process.

  • Trauma Informed Approach

    A trauma informed approach emphasizes the uniqueness of every individual’s lived experience. Practitioners work to understand each client’s history with trauma and how to take this into account to facilitate safety in sessions. Trauma informed practitioners have an adept understanding of how trauma impacts an individual throughout their lifetime and how it’s connected with systemic oppression.

“In my practice, I aim to be a compassionate witness to your human experience. I endeavor to facilitate growth, greater self-understanding, and empower you on your journey of healing and transformation”.

— Danielle Lancaster